competition

If you signed up for an obstacle run and have only a handful of weeks left to train, good news: There's hope for you yet. This month, Tough Mudder launched a new training program to whip you into shape—in just four short weeks! The 28-day plan is a combination of traditional exercises (think: sprints, push-ups, lunges) along with creative moves to help you prep for specific obstacles—like swinging across monkey bars and sliding down poles. Check out the online videos and see if you don't feel inspired to get outside and climb over your car or a fence (which are, by the way, two actual exercises included in the plan). This is great news for the millions of us going out for obstacle runs. Yep, four million people took on an obstacle course in 2013, according to Running USA’s State of the Sport report—that's more than marathon and half-marathon finishers combined. One of the best things about these events is that you don't have to go it alone, since camaraderie and teamwork are an important part of the program—you’re expected to rely on the help of your friends, or strangers too, to get through the courses. But these creative moves read more

A nationwide casting call for fashion designers started today and eventually, 12 people will be handpicked by Rihanna to appear on her new fashion reality show that will air next year on the Style Network. Styled to Rock will be hosted and executive produced by the Grammy-winning star. During each episode, Rihanna will introduce the designers to a different A-lister and at the end of every show, the guest celebrity will decide the winner of that challenge. It's kind of like Project Runway meets Fashion Star, no? “Fashion has always played an integral part in my life and career,” said Rihanna. “I am so excited to partner with Style Network and share my creative insight with these 12 designers and give them this opportunity to showcase their work.’ She has a little experience in the fashion and beauty departments, with her fragrances Reb’l Fleur, Rebelle and Nude, a capsule collection under the Armani umbrella and a collection with River Island for spring 2013. Will you check out the show? Photo: Getty Images read more

Considering tonight is Pitbull week on Randy Jackson Presents: America's Best Dance Crew, I had high hopes going into my behind-the-scenes visit at the MTV hit show. So maybe I was bound to disappoint myself by thinking we could sing a few lyrics to "International Love" together, but even without Pitbull, the dance crews, the judges, and surprise—even the cast of Teen Wolf!—did not disappoint. read more

Young women are doing amazing things to change the world. And for this year's Women of the Year awards, the pressure was on me to find 21 of these dynamic girls to honor. And I have to say, this process has really changed my way of thinking. read more